2010 Subaru Forester review

In its first full redesign since the 2003 model year, the Subaru Forester has moved closer to the mainstream than some fans might have hoped it would. The old model's boxy charm has been toned down, and what's left is a compact SUV whose driving dynamics are on par with some of the nimbler players in this segment. A few Forester diehards may cry foul, but I suspect the changes will widen the car's appeal to the market in general. The SUV remains as practical as ever, but now boasts enough refinement to merit serious consideration from anyone shopping the latest Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4.

Trim levels include the 2.5X and 2.5X L.L.Bean, along with turbocharged 2.5XT and 2.5XT Limited versions; click here to see a side-by-side comparison with the 2008 model. Subaru's full-time all-wheel-drive system is standard. I drove a number of configurations both on- and off-road at a press event in Southern California.

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Tachometer
The tachometer shows the engine speed in thousands of revolutions per minute. CAUTION Do not operate the engine with the pointer of the tachometer in the red zone. In this range, fuel injection wi ...

Gasoline for cleaner air
CAUTION Do not let fuel spill on the exterior surfaces of the vehicle. Fuels containing alcohol may cause paint damage, which is not covered under the SUBARU Limited Warranty. Your use of gasoline ...

Exterior design
Streamlined, yet sculpted styling evokes images of powerful, well defined muscles carved out of stone. Sharply defined character lines running from the sides of headlights to the tail lights, co ...